Dōjō Rules and Etiquette

Respect each other and train safely. The rest is common sense.

1: No politics.

If you have a problem sort it out and get along. Sōke's wishes are that there should be "no political nonsense" either within the group or outside of it.

2: The internet.

Devote your energy to physical training and do not becoming yet another “bullshido keyboard warrior”.

3: Clothing.

Training uniforms should be kept clean. For official events a plain white Gi with black 本派揚心流 kanji without any stripes or other decoration.

Den grades may wear black hakama and white keikogi, these

should be worn at official events, blue keikogi are for branch heads.

MHYR Dan grades should all wear a black cotton belt, if they wish to have kanji or their name embroidered this should be in red.

In general training decisions are at the discretion of the honbu-chō and/or the dōjō-chō. Sōke's feelings on this are that only the honbu-chō and/or the Sensei in charge of teaching in that class may wear hakama, however for hard training a regular gi is better.

Note that experienced teachers often wear gi for teaching regular classes as hakama hide their legs and feet from the students view.

4: Dojo etiquette:

Please arrive on time and be ready for reihō on time. If you are late wait on the edge of the mat in seiza, then when acknowledged by the sensei perform reihō and join the class. Note if needed warm yourself up and do not disrupt the class.

Dan grades should make a special effort to set a good technical standard and set an example to the lower graded students.

Note! No talking in class, only the sensei should speak, the only sounds from students should be kiai and the sound of ukemi.

5: Reihō (bowing):

At the beginning and end of class:

Seiretsu - line up.

Seiza - kneel down, be seated.

Shōmen ni rei - Sensei will turn to face shōmen then all will bow to the front. Note that this is only done if there is a Shōmen, with the Motoha Yōshin Ryū flag (hata) and wooden dōjō plaque (udon) are present.

Sensei ni rei - bow to sensei or if Sōke is present, Sōke ni rei.

Kiritsu - stand up.